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Sustainability spotlight: Formula E case study

6 March 2017
by Lizzie Cernik

As part of C&IT's ongoing sustainability focus in 2017, we shine the spotlight on the FIA Formula Visa London e-Prix.

Formula E 2016, London

The event

The FIA Formula E Visa London e-Prix took place from 2-3 July 2016 at Battersea Park. For the first time, the street racing event implemented the global standard for sustainability in events ISO 20121. According to Positive Impact, an organisation that specialises in events sustainability, implementing the standard shows commitment to long-term sustainable growth as a company. Formula E's key objective was to reduce the overall CO2 emissions of the FIA Formula E Visa London ePrix event by 20% by the end of the sixth season in 2020. In addition, the brand wanted to engage with the local community and increase engagement with internal and external parties.

Integrating sustainability

Working in partnership with Sustainable Events, the event included a series of sustainable initiatives, including the showcase of the solar-powered racing car, built by the Cambridge University Eco-Racing Team (CUER), and free interactive activities for children. The eVillage food vendors, all of whom were providing locally sourced vegan and vegetarian meals, offset their emissions via the eForest projects in the UK, while the event’s carbon footprint was entirely offset, with the help of energy partner Enel. All of the tyres used for the race were recycled, and the event was home to London’s first ever solar farm. The race was fully staffed by local volunteers and visitors also had the opportunity to donate to Formula E’s local charity partner Street Games, a charity that uses sports to empower disadvantaged children.

Verdict

A key part of implementing ISO 20121 is stakeholder engagement. As part of this, Formula E created an online engagement programme to allow suppliers, sponsors, staff and the general public to view, feedback and ask questions about the brand’s sustainability policy, objectives and targets. Partners from Tag Heuer said the information shared was a ‘very good’ action plan, while Formula E team members said the objectives were clearly explained with comprehensive goals.